Archie Comics Adds Gay Character

The following is a story by MSNBC.com:

“The often-quaint world of Archie Comics is set to become a lot more diverse this week. ‘Veronica’ #202, on sale at comic book shops [today], marks the debut of Kevin Keller, the first openly gay character in the publisher’s 71-year history.

“Kevin’s introduction is just one of several progressive moves this year from a company whose comics have historically been distinguished for their timeless quality. Earlier this year, Archie Comics depicted a rare-for-the-publisher interracial relationship — between flagship character Archie and Josie and the Pussycats band member Valerie — plus released timely parodies of megapopular media franchises ‘Jersey Shore’ and ‘Twilight.’

“Jon Goldwater took over as co-chief executive officer in June 2009, with a clear goal of modernizing the company’s comic book line.

“’One of the things that we immediately identified is that we had to make Archie culturally relevant,’ said Goldwater, son of late Archie Comics founder John L. Goldwater. ‘I sat down with all the writers, and all the creators, and all the artists, and said, ‘Look guys — you’re completely unshackled. Go do what you want to do. Make it as fun as it can be.’’

“…’When it was first announced, I got some calls, and there were some people who were upset,’ Goldwater told Newsarama. ‘And there were people who were very disappointed that we were changing the dynamic of the Archie universe. But that was really the minority.’

“Goldwater is quick to dash any skepticism that Kevin is simply a sales stunt who will disappear after the hype dies down.

“’Kevin has permanently moved to Riverdale,’ he said, referring to Archie’s fictional hometown. ‘He’s already in three or four more stories going forward. Kevin is here to stay. He’s part of the Archie gang. This is not a one-off.’

Read the full MSNBC.com story >>